United Way of York Region

Community Investment is responsible for distributing donated monies to United Way of York Region member agencies and non-member human service agencies in York Region. A volunteer Community Investment Committee of the Board of Directors of United Way of York Region guides the fund distribution process. Volunteers play a significant role in the fund distribution process by contributing their time to the Community Review Panels that review agency applications for funding and make recommendations as to funding.

United Way of York Region distributes funds primarily to its 40 member agencies. In addition, there is typically a small pool of funds available annually for distribution to either member agencies or non-profit human service agencies in York Region.

Typically in April, funding announcements are made and applications are requested from member and non-member agencies.

Funding Priorities

Regardless of which funding option a member or non-member agency is considering application to, the funding priorities for United Way of York Region are:

• Affordable Housing and Homelessness;
• Domestic Violence and Abuse;
• Literacy;
• Mental Health; and
• Newcomers and Immigrants.

Funding for Member Agencies

• Community Fund
• New and Expansionary Program Fund

Funding for Non-member agencies and Member Agencies

• Community Initiative Fund

Funding for Non-Member Agencies

• New Member Fund

Community Fund

UWYR’s Community Fund, formerly known as “Core Funding”, supports UWYR member agencies’ services that address any of the existing UWYR funding priorities. Funding Priorities for the allocation of the Community Fund for 2005-2010 are:

• Supporting those who have mental health challenges;
• Addressing issues of affordable housing and homelessness;
• Providing services for newcomers/immigrants;
• Promoting literacy; and
• Preventing domestic violence and abuse.

Back to top.

New and Expansionary Program Fund

New and Expansionary Program Fund, a UWYR Grant Stream, supports member agencies’ new and expanded services that address any of the existing UWYR’s funding priorities.

New programs are programs not currently funded by UWYR. Expansionary programs are existing services that are currently funded by UWYR that need expansion to increase their service outputs.

Back to top.

IMPACT Fund

United Way of York Region is committed to support its member agencies in building impact organizations that demonstrate competencies in organizational and service development, as well as community relations.

Improving Performance in Agency Competencies (”IMPACT”) Fund supports agency infra-structure and builds agency capacity while demonstrating improved outcomes on service delivery and clients.

Back to top.

Enhancement Fund

Enhancement Fund, formerly known as “Cost of Living Increase”, recognizes the positive results of the review of member agency’s application. Based on the funds available in the current funding year, the Enhancement Fund is a fixed percentage increase added to the Community Fund of member agencies.

Back to top.

Community Initiatives Fund

Community Initiatives Fund supports both member and non-member agencies to deliver time-limited projects to address emerging community needs.

Back to top.

Community Capacity Building Fund

Community Capacity Building Fund supports time-limited projects which strengthen community capacity to address demonstrated needs and identified issues. The project shall involve a partnership of two or more separate community organizations and rally broad-based community participation.

Back to top.

New Member Fund

UWYR funds agencies to become UWYR member agencies that deliver services addressing any of the existing UWYR’s funding priorities. From time to time UWYR makes a call for applications and all organizations applying for the New Membership Fund must meet the following basic organizational criteria:

• Support UWYR’s Mission;
• Are incorporated Canadian registered charity;
• Are governed by a volunteer board; and
• Provide human care services with a social/health focus to residents of York Region.

Back to top.

Other funding opportunities

The York Funders’ Alliance is a network of national, provincial and regional funding bodies whose current membership includes:

• Department of Canadian Heritage www.pch.gc.ca
• Human Resources and Skills Development Canada www.hrsdc.gc.ca
• Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration www.gov.on.ca/citizenship
• Ontario Ministry of Culture www.culture.gov.on.ca
• Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation www.tourism.gov.on.ca
• Ontario Trillium Foundation www.trilliumfoundation.org
• The Regional Municipality of York www.york.ca
• UJA Federation of Greater Toronto www.jewishtoronto.net
• United Way of York Region www.unitedwayyorkregion.com

The Alliance was established to help York Region based non-profits and charities make sense which funder – or combination of funders – is the best match for their particular program or service.

The Alliance offers Funders’ Forums, Proposal Writing Workshops and other workshops on areas of interest. To find out more, contact horace.walks@york.ca

Back to top.